Tension erupted in Chakeri, Kanpur, after Muslim women wearing burqas were denied entry into New Vision Inter College during a parents’ teacher meeting. Parents alleged that the school management asked them to remove their face veils before entering the premises, sparking anger and condemnation.
One parent, Rehana, said she and several other women were forced to wait outside the gate as they refused to comply with the demand. “We waited along with many women. They did not let us go inside, and we had no choice but to return home,” she said. The women described the incident as discriminatory and questioned the growing intolerance toward visible Muslim identity.
Instead of apologising, the school defended its action. The principal stated that parents needed to lift the face veil for proper identification before entering. The explanation failed to calm the situation, as many questioned why no alternative verification method was used.
Local police and MLA Hasan Rumi intervened to de-escalate the matter. Police officials later confirmed the incident, stating that discussions were held with both parents and the school to bring the situation under control. They assured that action would be taken as per rules.
The incident quickly drew public attention, with many expressing outrage on social media. Critics condemned the management’s behaviour and accused the school of targeting religious practices without legal justification.